Mark Dreyfus welcomes government backflip on legal centre funding

Today, after months of lobbying, Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus welcomed the good news that Peninsula Community Legal Centre has been saved from devastating cuts planned by the Turnbull government for July 1 this year.

The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP

Shadow Attorney General Shadow Minister for National Security Federal Member for Isaacs

MARK DREYFUS WELCOMES GOVERNMENT BACKFLIP ON LEGAL CENTRE FUNDING

Today, after months of lobbying, Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus welcomed the good news that Peninsula Community Legal Centre has been saved from devastating cuts planned by the Turnbull government for July 1 this year.

The Coalition and George Brandis had been planning to cut Peninsula Community Legal Centre’s funding by 30 per cent, which would have hit the local community incredibly hard, resulting in the loss of free legal advice for some of Kingston and Frankston’s most vulnerable local residents.

As a result of hard lobbying by Labor, representatives from the sector, and prominent Australians like Rosie Batty, the government reversed its decision to cut funding in the upcoming federal budget.

“Finally, after three years of campaigning, the Turnbull Government has admitted its mistake and reversed this funding cut to community legal centres,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“Community Legal Centres are at the frontline in the battle against domestic violence. Funding cuts to this sector should never have been considered, and I am pleased that these cuts have been reversed following a long campaign by the Labor Party and our community.”

“While today’s funding announcement is welcome, there is still a high degree of uncertainty about how the funding will be allocated. Labor will continue to work to ensure that Peninsula Community Legal Centre gets its fair share of funding and can continue to offer its vital services to local residents,” Mr Dreyfus said.